Maryland

By: Austin Handler

State Fossil:
Ecphora quadricostata

Description:
The Ecphora quadricostata was a type of snail, but it is now extinct. The shell was a light brown color, and it had four strong t-shaped ribs. Over time the name has been changed several times.

Ecphora gardnerae gardnerae Wilson
Ecphora gardnerae gardnerae Wilson

Time Existed:
It existed in the Chesapeake Bay over 3,000,000 years ago.

Preservation:
It is being preserved at the Calvert Marine Museum with other marine fossils that existed millions of years ago.

Who found it and why is it the state fossil:
Druid Wilson fount it and it is the state fossil because it was one of the first fossils to be scientifically examined in the new world.

Sources:
Conkwright, R. (2009) Maryland's Official State Fossil Shell. Maryland Geological survey. Retrieved from http://www.mgs.md.gov/esic/fs/fs6.html

Pisani, D., Davidsburg, J., Zarend-Kubatko, J., Lampell, P. (1995). A Guide to Fossil Finding in Maryland State Parks. Maryland Department of Natural Recources. Retrieved from http://www.dnr.state.md.us/naturalresource/fall2011/4.asp